Jesse Rivest's Blog

Saturday, October 21, 2006

I have just experienced a very exceptional performance by New Zealand's legendary The Warratahs, recorded live by Radio New Zealand at Chow Cabaret in Wellington, in the evening of October 20, 2006, to a sold out audience of approximately 200.

I received a phone call from my new friend Andy, from New Zealand celtic band Jacky Tar, asking if I could help his friends load sound equipment into a venue (he was gigging out-of-town at the time). I said "absolutely"! Shortly thereafter, I received a phone call from Mo of The Warratahs and I met him, Barry, Alan and Lincoln at Chow Cabaret. These guys had a lot of gear and I received a work-out, but the guys were genuinely grateful and put me on the guest list for the evening.

My new friend Anjuli and I walked down to Courtenay Place early to take care of a mutual chocolate craving via Whittaker's Bittersweet Dark Ghana, then wedged our way into a fully packed Cabaret. This venue is an excellent setting - red curtain lounge with candle lit tables and a rear bar.

We were both blown away at the exceptional skill of the individuals in the band, and the band's tight, cohesive performance! We stood behind Lincoln at the sound desk and saw the hard work it takes to mix a five-piece band to shimmering perfection. The fiddle solos were wickedly memorable, but each instrument (piano, accordian, drums, guitar, bass, vocals) was top-notch. The songwriting was also excellent, with uplifting melodies that make you want to take the group's CDs home with you.

These guys are a friendly bunch, and I have volunteered myself to assist with loading their sound gear into the truck in the late morning, so I better get some sleep.